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Four independent delay lines

Sigmund is far from just another delay: it consists of four discrete delay units, each with its own, independent set of parameters. Each of the delay lines has complementary modules built in, independent from the feedback loop:

Multi-mode Filter (can work either in or outside of the feedback loop).

Overdrive module.

Amplitude modulator (for tremolo effects).

Sigmund has two general-purpose Modulators which can be used to auto-modulate some of the delay lines' internal parameters. There are three different modes a Modulator can operate in:

LFO.

Envelope.

Peak follower.

LFO and Envelope can be re-triggered by external source; MIDI notes or transients detected in input signal (configurable independently for each Modulator).

Flexible routing

Sigmund's four delay lines can be interconnected with each other in practically every manner possible. The plugin offers a choice of nine different routing topologies. For example, say you have your delays currently running in parallel but would like to have a cascade of serially connected delays instead: you can reconfigure them instantly by choosing your desired algorithm with just a click of the mouse. For even greater convenience when working with Sigmund, the output signals of each of the four delay lines are combined in a special, purpose-built internal mixer.

Intuitive design

Sigmund's user interface has been designed from the ground up to be as intuitive as possible. A convenient preset browser allows for quick auditioning of the extensive, included factory preset library. This, in combination with a novel system of 'padlocks' for locking individual sets of parameters when changing presets, allows you to zero in on the desired effect with extreme efficiency.

Multitude of purposes

Sigmund can be applied in nearly any configuration in the studio. It can be used as an insert effect for an instrument or bus channel, or as a versatile send effect with the help of a parameter lock that allows for auditioning presets without having to readjust the wet/dry mix with each new selection. The plugin can be used universally not only as a delay, but also as a:

Tremolo.

Filter.

Limiter.

Distortion.

Each of these possibilities above is a result of the direct usage of the various modules that are available in the processing path. But also indirectly, depending on parameter values, there are other possibilities, including:

Chorus – from small delay time values.

Flanger – from small delays with feedback added.

Spatializer – by applying delays on delay lines with different signal domains (M/S or L/R) and phase shifts between the channels.

Introduction ******************* Sigmund is a complex delay with lot of possibilities from D16 Group, consisting of 4 discrete delay lines that each contains its own filter, overdrive and a tremolo. The 4 delays can set to 9 predefined signal routings.

Features ******************* Here the most important features: -) 4 independent delay lines -) each delay line separately: -) its own multi-mode filter, overdrive, tremolo and signalflow -) delay times for L/R or M/S from 0.1 - 1000 or synced to the host tempo -) mixer with volume and pan for each delay line -) each delay can have a pre delay, also synced or as ms, channels joined or separately -) L/R or M/S mode for each -) filter on the feedback loop (it's passive and shares the same parameters as the multi-mode filter) -) the input signal can be made mono, L and R are summed -) -) 2 LFOs to modulate delay time, cutoff and delay line volume -) LFOs can be set from 0.01 - 100 Hz or synced to the host tempo -) 9 different signal routings for the 4 delay lines -) limiter on the master out -) block the mix parameter when browsing presets -) preset browser features the possibility to lock delay lines when loading presets.

Sound ******************* The sound is very good and not digitally cold. I wouldn't say it sounds totally analog and warm, but still very pleasant to the ears. The filter and the overdrive can give a nice grit to the delays. Hitting the limiter can also generates some cool distortions.

GUI & Usability ******************* The GUI looks nice and modern to me. When it came out, I bought it instantly, but at the first time when I started it and wanted to create my own presets, I was lost in the GUI. So I needed some time to get my head around that plugin until I understood how to set it up and be fluent at it. Once you're delved in, you can easily create great and special results. I must say that the usability of Fabfilter Timeless and Soundtoys Echoboy is much easier.

Presets ******************* A lot of cool presets are shipped with it. They cover a wide range and some special uses. And they show what Sigmund is capable of. The manager itself is very easy to understand and use.

Stability ******************* Stability is excellent on my old machine running OS X 10.6.8 with Logic 8. No crashes have happened due to Sigmund yet. Haven't yet had a project using Sigmund on my new machine with OS X 10.9 and Logic X.

Cons ******************* -) No tap delay, where you can set the amount of delays exactly -) LFOs are set overall, so each delay line cannot have its own LFO settings -) The multi-mode filter's cannot be changed -) Feedback filter cannot be set independently to the main filter -) Volume meter in the mixer section should more smaller elements to show low levels -) Would love to see the possibility to freely set the signal routing of the delay lines.

Conclusion ******************* The value for the price is okey, but definitely not a bargain. If you are in the market for a new high class delay, and you don't own yet something like Soundtoys Echoboy, Fabfilter Timeless or FXpansion Bloom, I recommend to demo all of them and then decide which one suits best your needs. All of them are great and each deliver a very good sound, each of them with its own distinctive character and different possibilities. Sigmund is definitely worth its money. I'm still exploring its vast.

Sigmund by D-16 Group does everything a plugin delay unit should do and more. .. four times more! It is an inspiring plugin with countless modulation combinations. I was easily and quickly able to delay my signal with everything from tempo sync'd, doubled and tripled tracks, chorus, haunting atmospherics, and wild stuff. I was also able vary the timbre from a digital crystal clarity to an analog warmth, reminiscent of vintage gear I used dream of owning.

Uses a bit of CPU, but this is a price that needs to be paid for quality :).

Longer non-sync'd delay times would make the next update even more perfect.

CONCLUSION

Sigmund is wonderful delay unit that inspires creativity. It can be a complex tool for sound designing or simple tool for basic delay stuff. There are many delay plugins out there, but this one is really special. Tommy Zai gives Siggy four thumbs up. .. one for each delay line. :-). Thank you D-16 Group for creating a unit that is truly "beyond perfection."